Jalen Ramsey Selected 5th Overall In The 2016 NFL Draft

NFL: Jalen Ramsey

With the 5th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft the Jacksonville Jaguars have selected Defensive Back Jalen Ramsey from Florida State University.

Standing 6’1″ and weighing in at 209 pounds, this 21-year-old comes into the NFL after finishing an illustrious career with the Seminoles. He was a top-flight recruit coming out of the state of Tennessee and rescinded his commitment to USC for Florida State. The moment he stepped on campus, the ball was in his court.

He was the first true Freshman to start the opener at Florida Statesince Deion Sanders, who did it 30 years earlier. Jalen started 13 games at corner back before moving to free safety due to injury. He recorded 49 tackles, two passes defended and an interception.

In his sophomore year, Ramsey was moved to the “STAR” or “SPUR” (hybrid nickel back) and led the team with 14 passes defended, was second on the team in tackles for loss with 9.5, to go with 2 interceptions. He earned First Team All-America and All-ACC honors.

Jalen moved back to boundary corner in his junior year, racking up 52 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 10 passes defended. He opted to skip his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft. And here we are!

Ramsey is a dominate athlete and his dominance on the track speaks volumes. He is the ACC Indoor and Outdoor Long Jump Champion in track and field (26.1), while finishing 7th in the 100-meter dash (10.61).

His versatility to play anywhere on the field is amazing. It’s like combining a corner back, linebacker, and a receiver in one person. He will do whatever the coaches ask of him without question and shows effort on and off the field. He is a true student of the game and his position coaches spoke at length how dedicated this guy is. He has great anticipation and has a knack for making plays. He has great vision and spatial awareness to see moving parts and make adjustments on the fly. He is rarely out of position.

With that being said, he is a much better straight-line runner rather than a lateral player. He can get knocked off balance by a clever release. His footwork and patience from the press must improve. He just needs to add a little more bravado and attitude into his play and he can become an all-world player.

Jalen is outstanding press cover corner/safety with disruptive length to fluster receivers. He has superb makeup speed, on top of cat-like leaping ability (41.1 inch vertical), which is what is needed to slow down a vertical passing attack.

Jalen has potential to succeed with the Jaguars and should be an immediate help as a cover corner/safety